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‘Beanie Babies’ creator pays $53M tax penalty

Ty Warner, the creator of Beanie Babies, has been charged with tax evasion.

CHICAGO (AP) — The creator of Beanie Babies stuffed animals has been charged with federal tax evasion for allegedly failing to report income earned in a secret offshore account, and he’s agreed to pay a more than $53 million penalty.

Prosecutors in Chicago announced charges Wednesday against H. Ty Warner. His attorney issued a statement saying the 69-year-old would plead guilty and pay a penalty of more than $53 million.

Defense lawyer Gregory Scandaglia called the matter an “unfortunate situation” that Warner “has been trying to resolve for several years.”

Warner lives suburban Chicago and is the sole owner of TY Inc. The company designs and sells plush toy animals, including Beanie Babies.

According to charging documents, Warner maintained a secret offshore account with the Switzerland-based financial services company, UBS, starting in 1996.